Your Swansea City headlines for Wednesday, June 22.
Pato's contract delight
Jamie Paterson is targeting an improved run of form with Swansea next season having signed a new contract with the club.
The attacker's one-year extension option was triggered by the Swans earlier this year, although ahead of the 2022/23 season, the club have handed Paterson an additional 12 months on his contract.
It comes after what was an impressive season for the former Bristol City man who scored nine goals while also registering nine assists during his debut campaign in south Wales. And the 30-year-old believes the club's style of play means the Swans can aim high in their second season under Russell Martin.
“I’m glad that it’s sorted, my future's decided and I can just enjoy my football now," said Paterson after signing a new deal. "Sometimes, some places are just a good fit. I've got a good relationship with the gaffer and the staff so it was really comfortable for me to come into.
“'The Swansea Way' does suit my style of play, and I have always looked at the way Swansea play and I’ve always been attracted to that, and I’ve ended up here. Last season went well but I want to maintain that and improve even more.
“We showed a lot of positive signs last season – there were ups and downs as always – but the way we play, it’s a difficult way to play. You have to be conditioned and be very fit and you have to be really brave on the ball. The gaffer came in, stuck to his principles, and I think it was a successful first season and we’re looking to build on that now.”
Dhanda keen to kick on after Swans exit
Yan Dhanda is determined to re-ignite his career at Ross County following a difficult end to his four-year spell with Swansea.
The attacker joined from Liverpool in 2018 but made just 62 appearances across his four seasons under Graham Potter, Steve Cooper and Russell Martin, scoring five goals. He did not feature for the Swans in the league after August last season and this week put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Ross County having been released by Swansea.
"Buzzing to be here @rcfcofficial," he wrote on Instagram. "Let’s push on from last year. Shine time."
Dhanda has been a long-time target for Ross County, and manager Malky Mackay is hopeful that the 23-year-old can fully prove his worth in Scotland.
"We are absolutely thrilled to bring Yan to Dingwall," said Mackay. "Yan is a player that our recruitment department have targeted for a period of time. Over the past few months I have had some really positive dialogue with both Yan and his advisors, and we are delighted to now have him joining us.
“Yan’s talent will certainly complement our group, and we also feel he is a great fit for what we are trying to build here and the culture we have created. When you look at the journey Yan has had to date, we are getting a player of real quality that has worked with some of the best and this is a new exciting chapter for Yan and Ross County.”
Woodman reveals Marsh influence in PNE move
Freddie Woodman has revealed Mike Marsh played a key role in his decision to join Preston North End from Newcastle United.
The goalkeeper has signed a three-year contract with the Lilywhites having decided to end his career with the Magpies following numerous loan spells away from St James' Park.
It comes after what proved to be a frustrating campaign for Woodman who made just one appearance on loan at Bournemouth in the second half of the 2021/22 season after playing five times for Newcastle in August and September. Woodman worked under Marsh who was assistant to Steve Cooper during his two seasons at Swansea.
And Woodman has revealed he turned down interest from several other clubs to move to Deepdale. “I spoke to the manager, not that he had to sell the football club to me, but the way that he works, he’s very passionate and he spoke very highly of the club," said the former Swan.
“Obviously I knew Marshy coming here. He played a big part in me picking Preston over other clubs that I had offers from. But also myself, I’ve played against Preston and I’ve never had an easy day at Deepdale, and I want to come here and give these fans something that they deserve.
“Marshy knows what it takes to get a team into the play-offs and obviously the manager when I spoke to him, they’re firmly in his sights."
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